Sexually transmitted infections can be cured or managed if they are treated early. You may not realise you have an STI until it has damaged your reproductive organs (which could leave you with difficulties falling pregnant), your vision, your heart or other organs. Having an STI weakens the immune system and leaves you more vulnerable to other infections. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of many STIs that can affect a woman’s fertility. If you pass an STI to your newbornchild, the baby may suffer permanent harm.

What causes STIs?

The germs that cause STIs hide in semen, blood, vaginal secretions, and sometimes saliva. Most of the organisms are spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but some, such as those that cause genital herpes and genital warts, are usually spread through skin contact. You can get hepatitis B by sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors, with someone who has it.

STIs prevention

Always avoid sex with anyone who has genital sores, a rash, discharge or other STI symptoms.

The only time unprotected sex is completely safe from infection is if you and your partner have sex only with each other, and if it's been at least six months since each of you tested negative for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Otherwise you should:

Use latex condoms every time you have sex. If you use a lubricant, make sure it's water-based. You should wear a condom throughout the sex act. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing disease or pregnancy. However, they are extremely effective if used properly, so learn how to do this.

Avoid sharing towels or underclothing.

Wash before and after intercourse.

Consider getting a vaccination for hepatitis B.

If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, get help. People who are drunk or using drugs often fail to have safe sex.

The only sure way to prevent STIs is by not having sex. It was once thought that using condoms with the spermicide nonoxynol-9 helped to prevent STIs by killing the organisms that can cause these diseases. But more recent research has shown that nonoxynol-9 also irritates a woman’s vagina and cervix, actually increasing the risk of an STI.

Subsequently, a number of manufacturers stopped making condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9. According to current recommendations, there is no need for condom users to use spermicides as well.

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